The principal has been removed from the school and placed on administrative duties in head office while the investigation is conducted. The name of the public school has not been disclosed. The ABC and Fairfax Media reported the child was a boy with autism but this could not be confirmed.

The director general of the Education and Training Directorate, Diane Joseph, said parents of children at the school had been informed.

Officials were alerted to the structure after a member of the school community raised concerns with the Human Rights Commission.